Golf Swing Guidance Device and Methods of Use

ABSTRACT

A device for guiding a golf swing, and methods of its use, are described. Embodiments of the device comprise a visual representation of a trajectory of a golf back swing, which a golfer tries to mimic as he or she performs a golf swing. The device comprises a two dimensional or three dimensional representation of an arc of a correct or desirable back swing trajectory.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices adapted to encourage or guide a correct golf club swing.

BACKGROUND

Many golfers have difficulty swinging their clubs correctly and making good shots consistently. Errant shots can result from either or both of incorrect back swings and forward swings. Instruction and advice aimed at correcting aberrant swings is often ineffective due to golfers' difficulties translating instruction into conduct. In many cases, golfers are unable to visualize a correct or desirable swing trajectory.

Lack of instruction and advice during normal play, when a golfer is not under direct tutelage of an instructor or golf professional, compounds the difficulty with incorporating instruction and advice. Many golfers spend a majority of their golf time in the absence of quality instruction as they golf for fun and leisure, during which time they stray from correct swing trajectory and consequently repeatedly reinforce bad technique.

Aberrant golf swings and their concomitant errant shots frequently begin with a poorly executed back swing. Where golfers are able to begin their swings with well executed back swings, their overall swings and shots generally improve markedly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top, plan view of a typical golf swing trajectory.

FIG. 2 is a top, plan view of a golf swing guidance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top, plan view of a golf swing guidance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golf swing guidance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a top, plan view of a golf swing guidance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a top, plan view of a golf swing guidance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a golf swing guidance device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the golf swing guidance device of the present invention assist golfers in visualizing and performing correct swings with the golf club head traveling along a desirable trajectory. Embodiments are adapted for use in varied environments, including, but not limited to, on driving ranges, practice tees, putting greens, and on golf courses. The golf swing guidance device is suitable for use with or without instructor supervision, and can be used to guide or assist a wide variety of shots, including putts, short iron shots, chip shots, wedge shots, shots out of sand traps, and medium and long iron and wood shots.

Embodiments of the golf swing guidance device comprise a curved line segment that is a two dimensional representation of a trajectory of a head of a golf club, as viewed from above a golfer as the golfer executes a back swing. The curved line segment is generally referred to here as a swing path line. The golf swing guidance device is typically placed behind a golf ball, with an end of the swing path line disposed immediately proximate the golf ball and the curved line segment extending generally backwardly away from the golf ball. Some embodiments of the golf swing comprise a three dimensional representation of a trajectory of a golf club shaft.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “another embodiment, “a preferred embodiment”, “an alternative embodiment”, “one variation”, “a variation” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment”, “in one variation” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The term “couple” or “coupled” as used in this specification and appended claims refers to an indirect or direct connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The terms “behind,” or “behind a golf ball,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a space that is disposed, relative to a golf ball, generally opposite a desired direction of travel for the golf ball when a golfer is preparing to make a shot. Accordingly, a golf back swing occurs in a space behind a golf ball, and a space between the golf ball and its intended target is in front of the golf ball.

The term “arc,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a curved path, line segment, or row, which does not have an inflection point. In strict mathematical parlance, curves include straight lines and line segments, but for the purposes of this application, curves and curved line segments are not straight.

The term “curved line segment,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to continuous a line segments that is curved, and to rows of marks that define an arc or curved line segment. Curved line segments are visible, and for practical purposes are two dimensional, having minimal volume or depth. Except for curved line segments that reside on golf balls and club heads, curved line segments typically reside at about ground surface level.

The term “ground surface,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a surface of the ground. Examples of ground surfaces include, but are not limited to, a grass putting green surface, artificial putting green surfaces, sand trap surfaces, turf fairway surfaces, tee ground surfaces, and natural and artificial turf surfaces at practice tees. A mark directly on a ground surface is a visible impression, trace, symbol, sign, or image applied to or created on a ground surface, rather than being disposed on another substrate such as a sheet that lies upon the ground surface.

The terms “flexible” or “substantially flexible,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refer to a planar sheet supple enough at 20° C. to be rolled into a tubular shape without breaking, the tubular shape having an inside diameter of approximately 150 mm or less.

Observing a Golf Swing from Above

FIG. 1 illustrates a golf ball 101, a golf club head 102, and a golfer's stance represented by the golfer's feet 105, as viewed from above. The golf ball sits at the center of a swing box 110, which is divided into a back half 111 and a front half 112. The swing box and its halves are mental constructs that assist describing golf swings; the swing box is not a tangible object and is not an embodiment of the present invention. A typical golf swing begins with a back swing in which a golf club head is drawn backwardly from a position just behind the ball, along a back swing path 120 that describes an arc in the back half when viewed from above. The back swing path 120, as viewed from above, is depicted by a line in the back half of the swing box in FIG. 1.

After completing the back swing, the golfer typically initiates a forward swing. Where the back swing is performed well, a trajectory of a first portion of the forward swing generally duplicates the back swing trajectory, in reverse. Accordingly, the trajectory of the first portion of the forward swing describes an arc that is generally very similar to the back swing trajectory 120. The golf club head then typically strikes the golf ball and follows through to complete the forward swing. A follow through path 125 is depicted by a line in the front half 112 of the swing box 110 in FIG. 1. The back swing path 120 and follow through path 125 illustrated in FIG. 1 are consistent with a well executed golf swing that results in a good shot.

A FIRST EMBODIMENT GOLF SWING GUIDANCE DEVICE

A first embodiment golf swing guidance device 250 is illustrated in FIG. 2. The first embodiment golf swing guidance device comprises a sheet 255 on which reside three swing path lines 260, 265, 270, each swing path line comprising a curved row of markings, each curved row of markings describing an arc for guiding a back swing and a back portion of a forward swing. The three swing path lines converge at a point proximate a forward edge 256 of the sheet, preferably within 6 inches of the forward edge, more preferably within 4 inches of the forward edge, and most preferably within 2 inches of the forward edge. Some embodiments have more than three swing path lines, and some have less. The sheet of the first embodiment is substantially flexible and is adapted to lay relatively flat on the ground surface, in a substantially planar configuration, as depicted in FIG. 2, and to roll or fold into a relatively compact configuration for storage or transport. A golfer who uses the first embodiment golf swing guidance device on a golf course typically rolls the device into a compact configuration and stows it in his or her golf bag after a shot. However, some embodiments comprise sheets that are relatively inflexible and that remain in a substantially planar configuration.

The golf swing guidance device 250 further comprises an alignment line 257 printed on, embossed on, impregnated in, or otherwise visually present on the sheet 255. The alignment line is typically oriented on a line along which a golfer desires his or her shot to go.

A first swing path line 260 describes an arc for guiding a back swing trajectory for a long shot such as a wood or long iron shot. A second swing path line 265 describes an arc for guiding a back swing trajectory for a medium range shot such as a typical 4-7 iron shot. A third swing path line 270 describes an arc for guiding a back swing trajectory for a short range shot such as a typical 8 or 9 iron shot. Some embodiments of golf swing guidance devices have rows of markings that describe arcs adapted to guiding back swing trajectories for other shots such as putts, very short iron shots such as wedge shots, and shots out of sand traps.

The sheet 255 of the first embodiment golf swing guidance device 250 comprises a flexible polyethylene sheet having a thickness of approximately 10 mil. Each of the markings of the three swing path lines 260, 265, 270, is a slot or aperture 267 in the sheet. The apertures are approximately 6 mm wide, and a surface on which the sheet lies is typically visible through the apertures when the sheet is deployed on the ground surface. The first embodiment golf swing guidance device resides on a teeing ground, and grass is therefore visible through the apertures.

In a typical use, a golfer prepares for his or her tee shot by setting the golf ball 201 on a tee and deploying the golf swing guidance device 250 in very close proximity behind the teed ball, with the alignment line 257 oriented on a line along which the golfer desires his or her tee shot to go. An area where the three swing path lines converge is preferably disposed immediately proximate and behind the golf ball. After assuming an appropriate stance, the golfer performs his or her tee shot by executing a back swing with a trajectory that, as viewed from above, approximates the arc of the first swing path line 260. After completing the back swing, the golfer initiates his or her forward swing, a first portion of the forward swing also having a trajectory that, when viewed from above, approximates the arc of the first swing path line 260 as viewed from above.

The golfer then typically rolls or folds the golf swing guidance device into a compact configuration, places the device in his or her bag, and goes to a new location where the golf ball resides as a consequence of the tee shot. The golfer may use the golf swing guidance device for the second shot, again deploying the device in very close proximity behind the ball, with the alignment line oriented on a line along which the golfer desires his or her shot to go, and a swing path line describing an arc of a desirable back swing.

Embodiments of golf swing guidance devices, including the first embodiment golf swing guidance device 250, may also be used as stencils to leave stenciled swing path lines on the ground surface. A stenciled swing path line 261 is illustrated in FIG. 3, the stenciled swing path line describing an arc of a desirable back swing for hitting a golf ball 201. The stenciled swing path line 261 illustrated in FIG. 3 comprises a line of chalk marks on the ground surface, the line of chalk marks having been applied to the ground surface by use of the first embodiment golf swing guidance device 250 illustrated in FIG. 2. The stenciled swing path line 261 is applied to the ground surface by distributing chalk along the first swing path line 260 of the golf swing guidance device 250 while the device is deployed on the ground surface. The chalk is applied to the ground surface through the apertures 267 that form the first trajectory line. Other stenciled trajectory lines can be made by applying chalk marks on the ground surface through the apertures that form the second and third trajectory lines 265, 270.

Other embodiments of stenciled trajectory lines are applied to the ground surface using marking mediums such as, but not limited to, water and non-water soluble paint, pigments, dyes, chromophores, and particulates. Some marking mediums such as non-water soluble paints are relatively persistent and create stenciled trajectory lines that remain visible for days. Other marking mediums are transient, labile, or unstable, and remain visible for only a few minutes or a few hours. Embodiments of stenciled trajectory lines may be applied to sand traps by laying a first embodiment golf swing trajectory device in a desired position behind a golf ball in a sand trap and marking or disturbing sand that is visible through apertures in the sheet; the marked or disturbed stand thus forms a stenciled trajectory line.

A SECOND EMBODIMENT GOLF SWING GUIDANCE DEVICE

A second embodiment golf swing guidance device 450 is illustrated in FIG. 4. The second embodiment golf swing guidance device is adapted to cast a shadow on the ground surface, the shadow comprising a shadow swing path line 460. The golf sing guidance device comprises a swing path line shadow casting member 480, a support member 481, and a base 482. A support member shadow 490 is also illustrated in FIG. 4.

The swing path line shadow casting member 480 comprises a flexible rod supported by the support member 481. The support member of the second embodiment comprises an adjustable telescopic post adapted to support the flexible rod at a desired height for casting the shadow swing path line 460 behind a golf ball 401. The support member further comprises an angle adjuster 483 adapted to adjust an angle between an upper portion 484 of the support member and a lower portion 485 of the support member. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the angle between the upper and lower portions of the support member is 180°, i.e. the support member is straight.

The second embodiment golf swing guidance device 450 is most useful on relatively clear days when the sun is relatively high in the sky, but the device may also be used on overcast days that are nevertheless bright enough to cast a visible shadow. In some embodiments, artificial light is used to facilitate casting a shadow. Bright or colored lights may also be used to provide a lighted trajectory line. In some embodiments, a visible laser light source is used to produce a lighted swing path line.

In typical use, a golfer positions the golf swing device so that the shadow swing path line 460 is behind a golf ball and describes an arc of a desirable back swing for shooting or hitting the golf ball in a desired direction. An end of the shadow swing path line typically terminates in very close proximity to the golf ball. Height, orientation, and shape of the swing path line shadow casting member 480 are adjusted to optimize orientation and shape of the shadow trajectory line. Height, orientation, and shape of the swing path line shadow casting member are typically altered by (i) elongating or shortening the support member 481, (ii) changing the angle between the upper portion 484 and lower portion 485 of the support member, (iii) bending or straightening the flexible rod, or (iv) moving or repositioning the entire golf swing guidance device relative to the ground.

A THIRD EMBODIMENT GOLF SWING GUIDANCE DEVICE

A third embodiment golf swing guidance device 500 is illustrated in FIG. 5. The third embodiment golf swing guidance device comprises a golf ball 501 on which an alignment line 557 and a swing path line 560 are visible. The alignment line resides along an equator of the golf ball. The swing path line converges with the alignment line along a first direction, and diverges from and curves away from the alignment line along a second direction. In some embodiments, the swing path line approaches the alignment line asymptotically along the first direction. In typical use, the alignment line is oriented on a line along which a golfer desires his or her shot to go and the swing path line curves away from the equator on a back half of the ball, the back half of the ball facing away from a desired direction of an impending shot. The swing path line suggests a preferred arc of a back swing.

A FOURTH EMBODIMENT GOLF SWING GUIDANCE DEVICE

A fourth embodiment golf wing device 600 is illustrated in FIG. 6. The fourth embodiment golf swing guidance device comprises a golf club head 602 on which an alignment line 657 and a swing path line 660 are visible. The alignment line comprises a visible line on a top of the golf club head, the alignment line being substantially perpendicular to a leading edge 658 of the golf club head. The swing path line comprises a visible line on the top of the golf club head, the swing path line diverging from and curving away from the alignment line. The leading edge resides along a face of the club. In typical use, a golfer places the golf club head behind and immediately proximate a golf ball 601, as illustrated in FIG. 6, with the alignment line oriented on a line along which the golfer desires his or her shot to go, and the swing path line curving away from the alignment line. The swing path line suggests a preferred arc of a back swing.

A FIFTH EMBODIMENT GOLF SWING GUIDANCE DEVICE

A fifth embodiment golf swing guidance device 700 is illustrated in FIG. 7, and comprises a curved guide member 760 disposed on a support member 781, the support member being stabilized in an upright position by a base 782. The base of the fifth embodiment golf swing guidance device comprises three lateral struts. In some embodiments, the support member requires no base because it is inserted into the ground.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the curved guide member 760 is oriented such that it describes a back swing arc to be followed by a golf club shaft 703 during a correct or desirable back swing. A golfer 704 is illustrated holding the golf club shaft against or immediately proximate the curved guide member. The support member 781 is adjustable and is therefore adapted to support the curved guide member 760 at various heights. In some embodiments, the curved guide member comprises a holographic image rather than an actual three dimensional object. The holographic image requires no support member.

In typical use, as illustrated in FIG. 7, the curved guide member 760 is positioned in the vicinity of a golf ball 701 and oriented such that it approximates a path to be followed by the golf club shaft 703 during the desirable back swing of a golf club. So positioned, the curved guide member resides generally between the golfer 704 and the golf ball 701, with a front portion 762 of the curved guide member lower than a rear portion 763 of the curved guide member. The front portion typically resides closer to the golf ball 701 than the rear portion.

The golfer 704 typically begins his or her back swing with the golf club shaft 703 immediately proximate or touching the curved guide member 760. The golfer propels the golf club shaft along the curved guide member from the proximate the front portion to proximate the rear portion 763 as he or she executes the back swing, typically moving the golf club shaft beyond a rear terminus 764 of the curved guide member as he or she completes the back swing.

ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS AND VARIATIONS

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Alternative embodiments of the present invention include video games, instructional videos, and other visual portrayals or representations of golfing or golf swings in which a swing path line of a back swing is depicted. Embodiments of swing path lines include a two dimensional curved line that illustrates or suggests a correct trajectory of a back swing of a golf club head. 

1. A golf swing guidance system comprising: a golf ball; a golf swing guidance device, the golf swing guidance device comprising a curved line segment, the curved line segment extending from a first point immediately proximate and behind the golf ball to a second point 15 inches or more from the first point and farther behind the golf ball than the first point.
 2. The golf swing guidance system of claim 1, wherein the golf swing guidance device further comprises a substantially planar sheet, the curved line segment being visually present on the substantially planar sheet.
 3. The golf swing guidance system of claim 2, further comprising an alignment line, the alignment line being a straight line segment visually present on the substantially planar sheet.
 4. The golf swing guidance system of claim 1, wherein the curved line segment comprises a plurality of curved line segments.
 5. The golf swing guidance system of claim 4, wherein the plurality of curved line segments do not intersect.
 6. The golf swing guidance system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of curved line segments converge.
 7. The golf swing guidance system of claim 2, wherein the substantially planar sheet is substantially flexible.
 9. The golf swing guidance system of claim 1, wherein the curved line segment comprises a shadow.
 10. The golf swing guidance system of claim 1, wherein the curved line segment comprises a visible mark directly on a ground surface.
 11. The golf swing guidance system of claim 10, wherein the visible mark on a ground surface comprises chalk.
 12. The golf swing guidance device of claim 2, wherein the curved line segment comprises a plurality of apertures in the substantially planar sheet.
 13. The golf swing guidance device of claim 9, wherein the curved line segment comprises a plurality of apertures in the substantially planar sheet.
 14. A method of using a golf swing guidance device comprising: providing a golf ball; providing a golf swing guidance device, the golf swing guidance device comprising a curved line segment, the curved line segment extending from a first point to a second point, the second point being 15 inches or more from the first point; and placing the golf swing guidance device at a first position, the first position being on a ground surface with the first point being disposed immediately proximate the golf ball and both the first point and the second point being disposed behind the golf ball.
 15. The method of using a golf swing guidance device of claim 14, further comprising performing a back swing with a golf club.
 16. The method of using a golf swing guidance device of claim 15, further comprising hitting the golf ball with a head of the golf club.
 17. The method of using a golf swing guidance device of claim 16, wherein the golf swing guidance device further comprises a flexible, substantially planar sheet, the curved line segment being visually present on the substantially planar sheet.
 18. The method of using a golf swing guidance device of claim 17, further comprising: transporting the flexible, substantially planar sheet to a second position after the hitting the golf ball with the head of the golf club, the second position being proximate the golf ball after the hitting the golf ball with the head of the golf club.
 19. A method of using a golf swing guidance device comprising: providing a golf swing guidance device, the golf swing guidance device comprising a substantially planar sheet and a curved line segment, the curved line segment (i) comprising an aperture in the substantially planar sheet, and (ii) extending from a first point to a second point, the second point being 15 inches or more from the first point; placing the golf swing guidance device on a ground surface; and creating a mark on the ground surface through the aperture.
 20. The method of using a golf swing guidance device of claim 19, further comprising placing the first point and the second point behind a golf ball. 21-22. (canceled) 